Sputum-cup.



PATENTED OCT. 29. 1907. H. J. POTTER.

SPUTUM CUP.

APPLICATION FILED 1130. 21, 1906.

2 SHBETS-SHEET 1.

1220821 for 744 @5113? 4'10- Hits 5.

PATENTED OCT. 29, 1907.

H. J. POTTER.

SPUTUM 0UP.

APPLIOATION FILED 1330.21.1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEET z.

[011221 eases 1m: umzms PLTERS 0a., WASHINGTON. 1;.c

UNITED sTA ns PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY J. POTTER, OF CAMBRIDGE, BMSSAOIIUSE'ITS, ASSIGNOR TO ASEPTIODRINKING- CUP COMPANY, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OFMAINE.

SPUTUM-CUP.

Patented Oct. 29, 1907'.

Application filed December 21. 1906. Serial No. 348.902.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY J. POTTER, a citizen of the United States, anda resident of Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex, State ofMassachusetts, have in vented an Improvement in Sputum-Cups, of whichthe following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings,is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing likeparts.

This invention relates to receptacles or cups and more particularly toaseptic sputum cups adapted for use in hospitals and sanitariums orwhich may conveniently be carried in pocket of the user for use during abrief period.

The object of the invention is to provide a receptacle that, whileadapted for other uses and which in certain aspects thereof may be ofgeneral application, will fully meet all the requirements of the tradeand of the best medical practice for cup or receptacle of thischaracter. I have therefore devised a receptacle made from a singleblank, shaped into suitable form to present a receptacle that is liquidproof and of little cost. A receptacle made in accordance with thepresent type of the invention, has no wall or edge united by an adhesiveand all edges are non-broken and without seams. These receptacles aredesigned to be destroyed after having been used for a short time,preferably by burning, to avoid contagion, for which reason the materialemployed in their manufacture is preferably of a fibrous character, suchas paper, or cardboard.

Oheapness of cost and manufacture is secured not only by using paper orthe like, but by forming the re ceptacle of a single blank cut toprevent waste material and to save labor by the manner in which it isformed.

In order that the principles of the invention may be more fullyapparent, I have disclosed one type or embodiment thereof in theaccompanying drawings, Wherein,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the inner side of the blank from which thereceptacle is folded; Fig. 2 is an elcva tion representing 'the outerwall and one infolding double wall positioned there-against, the seconddouble infolding wall being represented in outstanding position; Fig. 3is an elevation typifying the succeeding step in the formation of thebox and representing the second double infolding wall positioned; Fig. lrepresents a vertical section of the completed box, the cover beingturned back; 5 represents a top plan of the completed box, the coverbeing open; Fig. 6 is a similar view but representing the box as openedby lateral compression into position for use; and, Fig. 7 is aperspective view of the completed box with the cover in position.

Having reference to the single type or embodiment of the inventionherein illustrated, the blank (Fig. 1) from which the box isconstructed, is represented at 1, and comprises a generally rectangularsheet of any suitable material, such as paper, died out to the requiredshape by suitable cutting mechanism and scored in any suitable manner topresent a rectangular bottom 2, outer side wall 3, first infoldingdouble wall second infolding double wall 5, opposing outer side wall ti,first opposing double infolding wall 7, second opposing doublc infoldingwall 8, walls 9 and 10, broad [laps II and I2, narrow flaps l3 and 14,and cover 15.

While the receptacle may be of any suitable proportions, the presenttype or embodiment of the invention represents a box intended to becarried in a pocket of the user, such, for example, as an upper vestpocket and therefore the base 2 is shown as narrow and elongated, inorder that the receptacle may readily be carricd as indicated, althoughit is apparent that changes in form may readily be made within the scopeof the invention.

The box or receptacle has four longitudinal walls, namely, the sidewalls 3 and 6, and walls 5) and 10, said walls being disposed in theblank at right angles to each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 1, and asunited respectively by the corner pieces herein termed the doubleinfolding walls 4, 5, 7 and S. In the present type of the invention eachof said walls is outlined by suitable scoring, the side walls 3 and 6being preferably scored, as indicated, from the upper edge to a pointsomewhat below the center thereof. Each corner or double infolding wallis diagonally scored, as represented at l, 5, 7, and S, and also andpreferably by scored-in lines disposed at right angles to each other,meeting at the diagonal scoring line, preferably midlcngth thereof andterminating at an outer edge of such corner. It will be observed thatthe scoring lines prelerably extend to the outer edge of the flaps l1and 12. Preferably, each corner or double infolding wall is notched atthe extreme outer corner thereof to facili tatc the folding together ofthe walls.

In forming the receptacle from the blank (Figs. 2 and 3), either cornerthat is provided with a flap,-that is to say, either the corner l or 8,and, for example, the corner l,-is folded inwardly upon the diagonalscoring line 1 and laid flat and doubled against the outer side wall.This stage of the formation of the box is represented in Fig. 2. Thecorresponding or second corner 5. is similarly infoldcd upon thediagonal scoring line 5; and is laid d oublc and flat against thedoubled infolding wall l, the flap 1]. then being turned down to retainin position said doubled infolded walls I and 5. This stage of theformation of the box is represented in Fig. 3.

It will be observed that the first infolded double wall 1, is attachedat one longitudinal edge to the side I transversely beneath said flap tofacilitate the insertion i wall 3, and that the second infolded doublewall is attached to the opposite longitudinal edge of said side wall.Thus, the infolded double wall is held at one edge, by reason of thefact that it is integral with the side 3, and at its free edge by thesecond infolded double wall 5, which, in its turn is held in positionnot only by reason of the fact that it is integral with the side wall 3,but also by reason of the inturned flap 11, which, in the presentembodiment of the invention, embraces the entire upper or transversefree edge of the double infolding walls 4 and 5. Thus, the side wall ofthe box when completed is composed of five thicknesses, so that the boxis thoroughly re-inforced. Moreover, each longitudinal edge,that is, theedges uniting the members 3 and 4 and 3 and 5,is not only supportedinteriorly, but the contents of the box or receptacle cannot escape atany longitudinal edge of the completed box, for the reason that in orderto escape from the interior of the box or receptacle, material wouldhave to traverse laterally the entire width of the box in one direction,and then in the other, before finding an exposed edge. This is preventedby reason of the fact that the infolding double reinforcing walls lieflat against each other and are retained by the downward turned flapsThe side wall of the completed box that is opposed to the wall 3 withits re-inforce, is assembled in the manner described with reference tothe wall 3, in such manner that the box when assembled has the formrepresented in Fig. 7.

Viewing Fi 4 it will be observed that the inturned flaps 11 and 12 notonly retain in position the double infolded side walls, but have assumeda downwardly converging position so as effectively to guard the mouth ofthe box or receptacle and to prevent the escape of material from thebox, in case the same be held other than in an upright position.

If desired, narrow inturned flaps 13 and 14 may be employed, at theupper edges of the edge walls 9 and 10, which act to prevent escape ofmaterial from the receptacle along said edge walls.

In use, cotton, 16, or some similar absorbent, is preferably containedin the box.

Viewing Fig. 5, it will be noted that in its normal condition, thecotton or other absorbent contained in the box, is concealed from view,and is effectively retained in position by the inturned flaps 11 and 12.In use, the receptacle is laterally compressed, as indicated in Fig. 6so that the re-inforced walls 3 and 6, yield along the scored lines uponthe members 3, 4, 5, G, 7 and 8, to present an open mouth.

Preferably, a cover, 15, is employed, extending from one of the sidewalls, as 3, which may have partially cut out therefrom, a flap or tab17, which, when the cover 15 is closed, assumes the position indicatedin Fig. 7, affording convenient means for withdrawing the cover.Preferably, said cover is scored, as indicated in Fig. 3, at the base ofthe flap or tab 17, and also of the body of the cover between there-inforced portions of the opposing side wall 6.

It will be observed that by the rectangular conformation of each wall,including the bottom wall 2 and the mouth end, that collapse of thereceptacle by reason of pressure being brought to bear upon a wallthere- 1 of, is prevented. In certain types of receptacles, an endthereof is frequently formed, as an edge, instead of a rectangle fromwhich edge the sides diverge, thus presenting a substantiallywedge-shaped receptacle in cross section. The effect of suchconstruction is such that if pressure he brought to bear fiat-wise uponthe receptacle, by reason of the said edge formation, a wedging actionresults from said edge, to the opposite end frequently resulting in theescape or spurting of the material from the receptacle through the mouththereof or an exposed edge. If the mouth of the receptacle be formedmerely as an edge as contrasted to a wall of well defined rectangularconstruction, spurting or forcing of the material likewise occurs.Furthermore, in many types of receptacles an adhesive is employed tounite adjacent walls.

A receptacle so constructed would be highly objectionable for theprincipal purpose of use for which applicants invention is intended,inasmuch as the sputum would tend to soften the adhesive and permit theseparation of attached walls.

In the present embodiment of the invention a rectangular or bracedconstruction of the end wall and also of the mouth of the receptacle, aswell as of the edge walls, is presented, and hence the wedging actionreferred to cannot occur; consequently, even though a very considerablepressure be applied to the receptacle, either upon the side walls orelsewhere, the contents of the receptacle cannot be ejected or spurtedfrom the box, nor disturbed. In the present embodiment of my invention,an unfoldable bottom wall is avoided, thereby obtaining the .fullcapacity of the receptacle and avoiding any collapsing or wedgingaction.

In the present type of the invention no adhesive need be employed,yet-each wall is as effectively positioned and is held in as closeengagement with the neighboring walls as though an adhesive wereemployed. Thus all danger is avoided of the escape of the contents byreason of the softening of adhesive and the consequent separation of thewalls of the receptacle.

If desired, the paper or other material from which the receptacle isformed, may be treated, either before or after the folding of the boxinto form in any suitable moisture-proof material, as parafiin or thelike.

Having thus described one type or embodiment of the invention, I desireit to be understood that although specific descriptive terms areemployed, they are used in a generic sense and for descriptive purposesand not for the purpose of limitation, and that the scope of theinvention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims.

1. A sputum cup comprising a base and two pairs of walls risingtherefrom and integral therewith, each member of a pair of such wallscomprising an outer side wall, and integral with opposite edges thereofinfolding double walls adapted when positioned to be superimposedfiatwise upon the inside of the cup against said outer side wall, thatintolding double wall of each pair of such walls that is first infoldedin shaping the cup having a retaining flap extending from and in linewith that member of the double wall that lies directly against the outerwall, each flap being adapted to be inturned into the receptacle overthe other member of said double wall and over both members of thecompanion double wall.

2. A sputum cup comprising a base 2, side walls 3 and 6 and end walls 9and 10 extending integrally therefrom, double infolding walls 4, 5, 7and 8 extending between said side and end walls and adapted to beinfolded against the side walls 3 and 6 respectively and flaps 11 and 12extending directly from and in line with the member of the infoldingwalls 4 and S that in assembling the box lies directly against said sidewalls 3 and 6, and adapted to be inturned into the receptacle.

3. A sputum cup comprising a base and two pairs or. walls risingtherefrom and integral therewith, each Ineur ber of a pair of such wallscomprising an outer side wall, and integral with opposite edges thereofinfolding double walls adapted when positioned to be superimposedflatwisc upon the inside of the cup against said outer side wall, thatinfolding double wall of each pair of such walls that is first infoldedin shapingthe cup having a retaining flap extending from and in linewith that member of the double wall that lies directly against the outerwall, each flap being adapted to be inturned into the receptacle overthe other member of such double wall and over both members of thecompanion double wall, and a cover integral with and extending from oneof the outer side walls and adapted to extend over the mouth of thereceptacle and to have its end inserted between the opposite side walland that member of the double wall pertaining thereto that lies againstsaid opposite side wall.

A sputum cup comprising a base 2, side walls 3 and 6, and end walls 9and 10 extending integrally therefrom, double infolding walls 4, 5, 7and 8 extending between said side and end walls and adapted to beinfolded against the side walls 3'and 6 respectively, and flaps 11 and12 extending directly from and in line with that member of the intoldingwalls 4 and S that in assembling the box lies directly against said sidewalls 3 and G and adapted to be inturned into the receptacle, and acover 15 extend ing from the side wall 3 and adapted to have its end inserted between the side wall 6 and that member of the double infoldingwall 8 from which the flap 12 extends.

5. A sputum cup comprising a base and two pairs of walls risingtherefrom and integral therewith, each mem ber of a pair of such wallscomprising an outer side wall, and integral with opposite edges thereofinfolding double walls adapted when positioned to be superimposedflatwise upon the inside of the cup against said outer side wall,

that infolding double wall of each pair of such walls that is firstint'olded in shaping the cup having a retaining llap extending from andin line with that member of the double wall that lies directly againstthe outer wall, each flap being adapted to be inturned into thereceptacle over the other member of such double wall and over bothmembers of the companion double wall, the other pair of side walls beingrectangular so that the assembled cup is rectangular in transversevertical section, each of said last mentioned pair of side walls havinga flap extending therefrom and adapted when the cup is assembled to beinturned thereinto to lie between the inturned llaps upon the doubleini'olding walls.

G. A sputum cup cmnprising a base and two pairs of walls risingtherefrom and integral therewith, each member of a pair of such wallscomprising an outer side wall, and integral with opposite edges thereofinl'olding double walls adapted when positioned to be superimposedtlatwise upon the inside of the cup against said outer side wall, eachinfolding double wall having a rectangular portion cut from the outercorner thereof, that infolding double wall 01' each pair of such wallsthat is first infolded in shaping the cup having a retaining flapextending from and in line with that member of the double wall that liesdirectly against the outer wall, each ilap being adapted to be inturnedinto the receptacle over the other member of such double wall and overboth members of the companion double wall, a cover extending from one ofsaid outer walls and adapted to have its end inserted between the otherouter wall of such pair and an infolding double wall pertaining thereto,the other pair of side walls being rectangular, the side walls 01' thefirst mentioned pair of walls being longitudinally scored to facilitateoutward ilex ing of such side walls and the consequent rounding open ofthe mouth of the receptacle.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

HARRY J. POTTER.

Witnesses IRVING U. Townsnnn, Jesse A. I-Iourox.

